Decorative socks with three-dimensional ornaments and related indicia

ABSTRACT

A decorative sock includes a three-dimensional ornament which relates to two-dimensional indicia on the body of the sock. The ornament may take many forms, including an animal head, cellular phone, star and the like, that is attached to the sock at or near its opening where the foot is typically inserted into the sock. Use of a stuffed skin to form an ornament provides more appeal and versatility than previously known prior art socks, since the ornament can assume complex shapes. Further, the various relationships between the three-dimensional ornaments and two-dimensional indicia, as embodied in this invention, provide more appeal and encourage the stimulation and education of young children with new ideas and concepts.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to an article of clothing having athree-dimensional object attached to it. More specifically, theinvention involves a sock having an attached three-dimensional objectwhich relates to indicia on the body of the sock.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Socks having decorative features have been well-known for many years.For instance, socks with pictures of flowers, cartoon characters andanimals depicted on them have appeared in the marketplace for decades.While these socks are entertaining, they have become generic, humdrumand taken for granted by many since at most times the illustrations onthe sock are covered by a wearer's pants and/or shoes.

Other socks which were very popular over the past twenty years,especially with young girls and women, are the easily recognized “pompom” socks. Typically, a pom pom sock comprises a plain white or coloredknit sock which is given its identity by a soft fuzzy ball or “pom pom”that is attached to the sock at its opening and towards the rear suchthat the pom pom is located near the user's Achilles tendon. The pompoms of these socks typically come in a multitude of colors appealing tothe particular preferences of a user, and often the color of the pom pomis the same as the colored trim that a sock might possess or perhaps afruit that is depicted on the sock, such that a red pom pom would beused in connection with red trim or a strawberry, and a purple pom pomwould be used in connection with purple trim or grapes that are depictedon the body of the sock.

While pom pom socks have appealed to consumers, especially women andchildren for many years, they have a major deficiency. This deficiencystems from the fact that pom poms typically come in a basic sphericalconfiguration having limited flexibility in configuration. Accordingly,although pom poms, which are easily found in arts and crafts supplystores, can be decorated with glitter, sparkles, rhinestones, cut-outsetc., they generally cannot themselves be formed into complex shapes,including animal heads, stars and the like. Accordingly, what a user isleft with is a dressed-up fuzzy ball. Moreover, because pom pom socksare generally made for young girls and women, males cannot benefit fromthem.

Another form of sock having a decorative feature is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,038,413 (Ursino), wherein a decorative bear cover member islocated on the side of a sock. This cover member is used both forornamental purposes as well as to indicate that two particular sockseach form part of a pair. Significantly, Ursino discloses cover membersthat are essentially only two-dimensional. In addition, because thecover members are specifically used to indicate that the socks form partof a unique pair, the socks must necessarily be relatively plain andlack corresponding indicia which can relate one sock to another.Accordingly, except for the cover members, the socks are generallyboring, less appealing, less imaginative and less stimulating than theyotherwise could be.

Similarly, other types of known socks that include decorativethree-dimensional ornaments are merely plain socks having one or morebasic colors combined with an ornament that is either permanentlyattached to the sock or is selectively removable by virtue of a snap orVelcro. However, the three-dimensional ornaments associated with thesesocks do not correspond to indicia located on the body of the sock.Accordingly, these socks are also generally boring and less appealingthan they otherwise could be.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

In view of the prior art deficiencies, the principle objective of thepresent invention is to provide a visually appealing sock with athree-dimensional object wherein the object may assume more relativelycomplex shapes.

Another objective is to provide a visually appealing sock with athree-dimensional object attached to the sock which relates to indicialocated on the body of the sock.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide a sock whichcan be sold as an impulse item and which will be of interest to womenand children.

Another further objective of the present invention is to provide a sockthat increases the sales and revenue of manufacturers, wholesalers, andretailers by increasing the number which can be sold.

An even further objective of the present invention is to provide a sockwhich can be used as a tool to stimulate and educate young children.

A still further objective of the present invention is to provide a sockthat is more entertaining than prior art socks.

A yet further objective of the present invention is to provide a sockthat can be worn by both females and males of all ages alike.

In its broadest aspects the invention is a sock having one or morethree-dimensional objects or ornaments which may assume relativelycomplex shapes as compared to other prior art socks. Importantly, all ofthe embodiments of the inventive sock include indicia that is located onthe body of the sock, whether in the form of a word, phrase, design,illustration or any combination thereof. This indicia has visual,textual and other relationships to the three-dimensional ornament whichis attached to the sock at or near its opening where the foot normallyis inserted into the sock.

The inventive sock, including all of its components, may be constructedof conventional materials well known in the art, including natural andsynthetic materials such as cotton, polyester, acrylic, nylon andspandex. Generally, the three-dimensional ornament may take the form ofa head of a typical stuffed doll as well as other objects inminiaturized form. Accordingly, the ornament can be in many forms,including a three-dimensional duck head, a cellular phone, a pair ofdice, an Easter egg or even well known cartoon characters, includingSponge Bob and the Powerpuff Girls. Importantly, these ornaments assumeaccurate shapes which are consistent with a miniaturized version ofthese objects.

Depending on the particular embodiments of the invention, the indicia onthe sock may be a two-dimensional representation of thethree-dimensional ornament and/or a graphic or visual image which simplycorresponds to the ornament in a visual or textual manner. The result isa sock that can be sold as an “impulse item” which all consumers,including adults, believe that they must have. Further, as a result ofthe accurate shapes that are formed, there is the potential to producemany more styles and embodiments than were previously possible. Thisprovides added value to manufacturers and sellers of the sock who cannow have more of what consumers want. Also, the sock is an excellentgift idea whether given to relatives, friends or neighbors.Additionally, due to the relationship between the ornament and indicia,young children wearing these socks can, among other things, learn thedifference between a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensionalobject as well as associate words and pictures with correspondingobjects.

Accordingly, this invention provides a sock that is more visuallyappealing than other prior art socks. By providing a three-dimensionalornament in an abundance of possible complex shapes and figures,manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers can respectively increase theiroverall sales and revenue by providing socks that are more desirable andappealing than prior art socks. As “impulse purchases” and the focus ofgift ideas, the socks may provide an excellent marketing tool as well.Further, because the ornament is constructed to relate to indicia on thesock, children will be more entertained and pleased while simultaneouslylearning new ideas and developing their own thoughts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive sockwherein the three-dimensional object is generally the same as atwo-dimensional picture depicted on the body of the inventive sock;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 takenalong lines 2-2;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the inventivesock wherein the three-dimensional object corresponds to an associatedphrase, including words and a number, depicted on the body of the sock;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the inventive sockwherein the three-dimensional object corresponds to a design evoked bythe three-dimensional object;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the inventivesock wherein the three-dimensional object corresponds to an associatedaction, i.e., verbiage, depicted on the body of the sock;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the inventive sockwherein the three-dimensional object corresponds to both words andimages depicted on the body of the sock.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the inventive sock are shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS.3 through 6.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the sock 10 includes a sock body12 with a toe end 14 and a rearward opening 16, the latter usually beingdefined by a trim edge 18. The sock includes a two-dimensional animalhead design 20 depicted on the body 12 of the sock which is thegenerally the same or similar visually as an ornament 22 that is also inthe form of an animal head. The design 20 may be formed by stitching,printing or other conventional means. In this embodiment the imagesprovided are bunny heads 20 which correspond directly to thethree-dimensional bunny head ornament 22 also shown in FIG. 1. Althougha number of bunny heads 20 are shown in this particular embodiment, itis to be understood that another quantity and/or size of heads may bedepicted as well. Similarly, an infinite number of different or wholefigures, including ducks, cartoon characters and the like may be alsoused instead of a bunny head.

Generally, the three-dimensional ornament 22 has a fabric skin or casing24, as shown in FIG. 2. The use of a skin 24, following well-knowntechniques for making stuffed objects, enables the ornament to assumeshapes that are more intricate and multifaceted.

Skins used in the construction of stuffed animals are well known in theart. In the context of a stuffed animal, a skin is generally formed bystitching together appropriate pieces of material following a pattern,which typically form the head and other parts of the animal's body. Inaddition, skins may also be used in the construction of other dolls ortoys that are not stuffed animals per se. An opening is left throughwhich to stuff the doll. As shown in FIG. 2, the skin 24 is filled withstuffing 26, including materials such as polyester and other fiberfillers. After the skin is stuffed, the opening is stitched closed andthe animal figure is completed.

The ornament 22 is attached to the sock with a simple stitch 28, asshown in FIG. 2, directly to the sock body 12 at or near the sock'sopening 16 where the foot normally enters at the trim edge 18. Otherforms of selectively attaching and/or removing the ornament to or fromthe sock may optionally be incorporated instead, including snaps, Velcroand the like. Generally, the ornament should be fastened towards therear of the sock, near the vicinity of the Achilles tendon so that itdoes not interfere with the user's ability to comfortably ambulate aboutand wear sneakers or other types of footwear.

The embodiment 10 a shown in FIG. 3 is similar in construction to thatshown in FIG. 1 in that it provides a three dimensional ornamentattached to a sock which relates to a two-dimensional image depicted onthe sock. However, in this embodiment, the ornament and image aregenerally not the same as the ones respectively provided in theembodiment of FIG. 1. Rather, in this embodiment, the two-dimensionalimage is a well-known phrase, “Lucky 7,” 30 and the ornament is astuffed die 32. Thus, the three-dimensional object, the die 32, isrelated to the textual phrase “Lucky 7” 30. It should be understood thatother objects and phrases may be used instead of those embodied in FIG.3. In addition, it should be understood that the ornament and phrasecould be switched with one another such that, for example, a “Lucky 7”ornament can be attached to the sock bearing an image of a die or set ofdice.

In this embodiment 10 a, the relationship between the three-dimensionalornament and two-dimensional textual phrase depicted as a logo is clear.Well known to gamblers, the “Lucky 7” image derives from the dice gameof craps, where rolling a seven wins, and thus the dice that roll sevenare a symbol of gambler's luck.

The embodiment 10 b shown in FIG. 4 is similar in construction to thatshown in FIGS. 1 and 3 in that it provides a three-dimensional ornamentattached to a sock which relates to a two-dimensional image depicted onthe sock. Additionally, similar to that of FIG. 3, the embodiment 10 bof FIG. 4 has an ornament and image which are generally not the same asthe ones respectively provided in the embodiment of FIG. 1. In thisembodiment 10 b the two-dimensional image is a letterman “T” design 34and the ornament is a stuffed old-fashioned cheerleader megaphone 36.Accordingly, the ornament 36 is also related to the two-dimensionalpattern 34. Particularly, the megaphone 36, which traditionally has beenutilized by cheerleaders, evokes the “letterman image,” including theassociated apparel such as letterman jerseys and letterman jackets wornby athletes who are the cheerleaders' counterparts.

The embodiment 10 c shown in FIG. 5 has two-dimensional text spellingout the action “CALL ME” 38 located on the body of the sock and anornament in the form a cellular phone 40 which directly corresponds tothe action. It should be understood that other actions and objects couldbe used instead of those used in the embodiment 10 c. For example aminiaturized stuffed cake or surfboard can be used as the ornament andthe text “BAKE” or “SURF” can respectively replace the text depicted onthe body of the sock.

The embodiment 10 d shown in FIG. 6 has two-dimensional text anddepictions which both correspond to the ornament attached to sock.Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the two-dimensional star 44is the same or similar to the star ornament 46 that is attached to thebody of the sock. However, in this embodiment 10 d, additional textualinformation in the form of the word “Star” 42, which is the name for theornament, is provided on the body of the sock as well.

As a result of the increased appeal and entertainment afforded by thesock, manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers alike can respectivelygenerate increased sales and revenue. Since almost an infinite number ofadditional three-dimensional ornaments relating to two-dimensionalindicia can be created, sellers of the sock will have a largerassortment of goods to sell which is always important to consumers,especially women. Similarly, as a result of the sock's overall appeal,it can be marketed and sold to the public as an “impulse item” that isfeatured in magazines and circulars and offered for sale on a rack or ina bin located near a cash register. This is significant especially forwomen and young girls, who are known to be impulsive shoppers,especially when it comes to fashion, and are inclined to purchase anumber of pairs having different embodiments all at once, whether fortheir own use or as gifts to friends or loved ones.

It is also clear that adults and youngsters, both female and male, canbenefit from the invention, depending on their preferences and theparticular embodiment of the sock. For instance, both women and younggirls can wear the embodiments of FIG. 1, while the embodiment 10 a ofFIG. 3 may be more suitable for female and male adults during a visit toa casino. Other ornaments and related indicia which can be marketed towomen and are “female-friendly” such as a perfume bottle, a cat, a pairof lips and the like may be used. Similarly, “male-friendly” ornamentsand related indicia such as a football, baseball mitt, puppy and thelike may be used as well.

In addition to the overall appeal of the ornament in connection with theimages shown on the sock, the embodiment of FIG. 1 also specificallyprovides a system by which an adult can teach young children who arejust learning to dress themselves with the help of their parents aboutthe difference between two-dimensional images and three-dimensionalobjects. For instance, an adult can first query a child as to thedifference between the two-dimensional image and three-dimensionalversion of the image. After the child responds that they are the same orthat they do not know, a parent can help explain some of thedifferences. This is important since from the outset of theireducational instruction a child's activities are dominated by writingand drawing in two dimensions, notwithstanding the fact that theyvisualize objects in three dimensions. Accordingly, it is very importantto help children recognize the differences between the two. Theinvention would promote this important lesson each and every day in thecontext a child's clothing which is similarly worn every day, even whenthe child is home from school.

As a child gradually comprehends the difference between two- andthree-dimensional versions of the same or similar objects, otherembodiments of the present invention may be used to further the child'scommand of this and other related concepts. For instance, when a childis first learning to read, the embodiment 10 d of FIG. 6 can help achild relate the star 46 to the written word “Star” 42. This will helpbuild and reinforce a child's vocabulary and other related skills.Progressively, as a child learns simple verbs, the embodiment 10 c ofFIG. 5 can similarly reinforce these skills. Finally, when the child ismore advanced he/she can begin to make mental connections betweenparticular ornaments and phrases or designs as shown in the embodiments10 a, 10 b of FIGS. 3 and 4 respectively.

Although the invention has been described with reference to particularembodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merelyillustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Thusit is to be understood that numerous modifications may be made in theillustrative embodiments of the invention and other arrangements may bedevised without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A decorative sock including a sock body having a toe end and a footopening comprising: a three-dimensional object, having athree-dimensional shape when stuffed, attached to the sock near the footopening, said object including a skin, and stuffing which conforms tosaid shape of said object, said three-dimensional shape of said objectbeing primarily determined by said skin filled with said stuffing; andindicia on the sock body, said indicia being related visually ortextually to said object.
 2. The sock of claim 1, wherein said object isa miniaturized toy.
 3. The sock of claim 1, wherein said object is inthe form of an animal head.
 4. The sock of claim 1, wherein said objectis in the form of an animal.
 5. The sock of claim 1, wherein said objectis in the form of an electronic device.
 6. The sock of claim 5, whereinsaid electronic device is a cellular phone.
 7. The sock of claim 1,wherein said indicia is two-dimensional.
 8. The sock of claim 7, whereinsaid indicia comprises a word.
 9. The sock of claim 7, wherein saidindicia comprises a phrase.
 10. The sock of claim 7, wherein saidindicia comprises a number.
 11. The sock of claim 7, wherein saidindicia comprises a visual illustration.
 12. The sock of claim 11,wherein said visual illustration is of a fictional character.
 13. Thesock of claim 7, wherein said indicia comprises a design.
 14. The sockof claim 7, wherein said indicia comprises any combination of text,word, phrase, number or illustration.
 15. The sock of claim 1, whereinsaid indicia is visually similar to said object.
 16. The sock of claim1, wherein said indicia comprises a two-dimensional drawing of saidobject.
 17. The sock of claim 1, wherein said indicia comprises a wordwhich is the common name of said object.
 18. The sock of claim 1,wherein said indicia comprises a word that embodies an act performedduring a use or a creation of a genuine version of said object.
 19. Thesock of claim 1, wherein said indicia comprises a phrase that isnormally associated with said object.
 20. (CANCELLED)
 21. A decorativesock including a sock body having a toe end and a foot openingcomprising: a three-dimensional object, having a three-dimensional shapewhen stuffed, attached to the sock near the foot opening, said objectincluding a pre-formed skin, and a deformable stuffing which conforms tosaid shape of said object, said three-dimensional shape of said objectbeing primarily determined by said skin filled with said stuffing; andindicia on the sock body, said indicia being related visually ortextually to said object.